Wandering Tastebuds – Part II

One fine day in Bangkok, we walked out of our beautiful teak guest house on to the main road (near Khao Sahn) with one plan in mind.
Get on the next bus going past!
And we did.
A red one… They’re free!
Having no idea where we were heading, we watched out the windows of this timber floored bus as we drove further away from the tourist centre…
Keeping an eye out for anything worth exploring…
Ready to disembark at any second!
Passing streets and streets of stores on repeat;
Tile store, light store, toilet store, light store, tile store, tile store, toilet store and on they went!
And a burst of colour, FRUIT!
Off we get, and a beautiful market we find.
Not another tourist in sight…
But the locals watched, giggled & smiled at us welcomingly!

Vegan Roast Vegetable & Butter Bean Lasagna

I made a butter bean dip for a neighbours party a few weeks ago and I have to say, I was amazed.
I opted for super simple: butter beans, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper & parsley…
Smeared on a plate (with more olive oil of course) and it was a hit! With the neighbours that is… there was none left by the time the guests arrived!
It’s luxuriantly creamy texture got me thinking of the endless possibilities for this guilt free pleasure…
So. My one day off finally arrives, and what do I find?
A fridge full of uneaten veggie goodness from last week’s farmers markets! Naughty naughty, Sammy.
I must save them!
Lasagna it is!
Which is where my idea of creamy butter bean purée comes in…  As a creamy vegan replacement for a bechamel sauce!

Wandering Tastebuds – Part I

Here is a snapshot of my experience in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Read on for mouth-watering Lao Noodle Soup…

Mushroom Gyoza

Gyoza are originally a chinese dish which have made their way into Japanese cuisine – which is where I found them
Usually served as an entree with a tangy dipping sauce or in soups, these tasty little dumplings are typically made with a pork mince… I thought a meatless version was surely in order!

So here goes!

Say Uncle

My Dad’s brother Terry came up from Sydney for a visit, a special dinner was in order!

A starter of Marinated Baby Octopus on a Mediterranean Salad

With Roasted Red Capsicums, Artichokes, Mushrooms, Kalamata Olives & Fetta, With a Chili & Lemon Dressing.

And the main event…

A Quick Lunch

Soup + Campari + Maya